Pony Express Fabric, Coquille Lighthouse, and Color Cubes


The theme for the fabric design contest on Spoonflower
this week was Western Americana.
I knew there would be lots of cowboy boots, hats,
bolo patterns, and western colors 
so I challenged myself to something different.
I painted a color palate I had in mind and the different
elements so I could move them around as I like.

I really admire the bravery of the Pony Express riders
considering they weren't physically big and
their job must've been exhausting.
"Young, skinny, wiry fellows"
and one recruiting poster I've seen says
"orphans preferred."


My idea was an early spring setting with very light clouds
and rich greens in the nourished grasses after winter snow.
A few white wildflowers mixed in with purple lupines.
Pony Express riders rode solo, but I put in several riders 
to make the design flow across the landscape.


 I got myself a new toy this week. 
The set of Color Cubes
which I think are pretty creative. 
For years designers have had access to these
photos with the color palates and hex codes on someone's blog
but Sarah Renae Clark has made them into
sets for purchase to make designing with them 
in the studio really fun and easy.
It's a nice challenge to pick a palette card out of the box
and make it work with a painting or design.
Excellent way to break out of a color or design rut.


  




 

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